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Data freshness

How long an arbitrage opportunity can last

There is no fixed lifetime. A liquid market may close a gap in seconds, while a persistent spread can indicate an execution barrier.

A route has several relevant clocks

Distinguish quote receipt, depth validation, user display, and actual execution time. DEX routes also add simulation and block-inclusion delay.

  • source timestamp and cache age;
  • network latency to the venue or RPC;
  • decision time;
  • transfer confirmation and crediting.

A persistent spread needs an explanation

A long-lasting difference may reflect blocked withdrawals, a different network or contract, low liquidity, or venue-specific restrictions.

Updated: 2026-07-18

Frequently asked questions

What signal age is acceptable?

There is no universal threshold; it depends on volatility, liquidity, route design, and execution speed.

Why might an old signal remain visible?

It may persist in cache, be reconfirmed by the market, or represent a price gap that cannot be executed.

Evaluate routes from data, not promises

Open MatrixLink, set a working size, and review order-book depth, fees, transfer route, and quote freshness.